Swapping Fates in the Marriage Game – Chapter 5
He sounded frustrated.
“I’m okay, thanks to Zane. But I’m stuck here with the local police, and I’ll miss the Silverton exhibit. Damien’s taking care of it.”
This exhibit was crucial. It was a career milestone, and global elites were attending. Last life, his injury kept him away, and Damien, eager to crush him, messed it up.
“Don’t worry, I’ll manage it,” I said.
“You sure?” he asked, surprised.
“Trust me. My grandfather was well-connected in society. Even though my family’s influence has faded, I can handle this. Don’t tell Damien you’re delayed.”
He hesitated.
“Just ask him to help when I call.”
He agreed.
I dove into planning, exhausted daily. Chloe texted, pretending to feel sorry.
“Is Julian okay?”
I ignored her. She sent fake condolences, assuming I was grieving.
Annoyed, I replied,
“Want to help? Wire me five million.”
She stopped.
As the exhibit neared, I grew anxious. Damien would sabotage it.
At 3 a.m., I checked every staffer at the venue, catching five impostors by morning.
By 9 a.m., guests arrived. Damien and Chloe strutted in, arm-in-arm.
Damien smirked at the crowd, looking amused.
Not for long.
I signaled staff to roll out facial-recognition scanners. I’d had guests register faces for “security and ease.”
Seven uninvited infiltrators were caught.
Damien’s composure cracked.
I knew he wasn’t done.
Mid-event, a staffer reported a janitor acting suspiciously in the tea room. I confronted her.
“Tell me your task, and I’ll double your pay.”
She spilled the beans. Exhausted, I’ll give the closing remarks.
Two figures rushed in.
A guest asked,
“Who are you? Why isn’t Mr. Grant here?”
More questioned Julian’s absence. I froze.
A pinewood scent enveloped me—Julian.
He took the mic.
“This is my wife.”
“I faced a shooting abroad. Without her, I wouldn’t be here. I missed the exhibit’s start and will personally apologize to you all.”
His words blurred. Stunned, he led me to the car.
Before the window closed, a chill hit me.
Instinctively, I looked back. Damien stared, smiling darkly—my last life’s predator gaze.